In my weakness He is made strong.

I have discovered a lot of my weaknesses lately. You know this is if you are a regular reader of my LJ. Paul was able to boast in his weaknesses because it was an opportunity for God to be glorified through him. In regards to his thorn in the flesh (whatever that might have been) Paul prayed three times and this is God’s response and his reaction to God’s words.

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 “But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, formy power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

I am learning to go to the Lord with thanksgiving for what ever I find myself in. If it is a great trial I know that it means that the Jesus is either refining me, rebuking me, or simply desiring to glorify Himself through me (John 9:3, Hebrews 12:5-12, 1Peter 3:17). God does this for His own purposes and for His own glory.

Job looked back on his own experience in suffering and had some surprising words to say. After all that he went through we find him repenting of his words through out the book even in the midst of such suffering. Job 42:1-6 “Then Job answered the Lord and said: "I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.’Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. 'Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.' I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”

How can we go through trials that come from God for His own purpose in our lives and yet be able to trust in Him still? Matthew 12:20-21 “a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope." Jesus is a God who will not ever leave us nor forsake us. He is tender even in the toughest times of our lives, even when He allows difficulty to come into our lives.